World War 1 Unit Test Flashcards
What was the Battle of Somme + Significance?
Location = France
Allied commanders of the French tried to end trench warfare with a large attack on the German trenches. The attack was not successful and the Germans were not driven back.
Significance = Over 20,000 Canadian soldiers died during the battle. The battle lasted for five months and only a few miles of land had been gained. The casualties reached 1.25 million which includes both sides.
What was the Battle of Ypres + Significance?
Location = Belgium
The French and Canadian troops were defending Ypres and retreated when the Germans used chlorine gas so the Germans won.
Significance = This was the first poison gas attack in history. This attack acted as a precursor to how twentieth-century wars would be fought. 6,000 Canadians died before reinforcements arrived. After the battle, John McCrae famously wrote the poem “In Flanders Fields’’ in memory of his friend who was killed.
What was the Battle of Vimy Ridge + Significance?
Location = France
Vimy Ridge was a strong natural fortress and it was strategically important. Canadian troops attacked the Germans at the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the Canadian troops were successful in taking back the ridge which had been in the hands of the Germans for many years.
Significance = The battle at Vimy Ridge was important since for the past two years British and French soldiers have been trying to take it back. The Canadian’s preparations for the attack were extremely thorough which resulted in them winning the battle. This was a turning point in the war in favour of the Allies and Canadian troops were recognised as some of the best on the Western Front.
What was the Battle of Passchendaele + Significance?
Location = Belgium
Canadian troops attacked the Germans at the town of Passchendaele even though General Currie said that the town could not be taken. The Canadian troops succeeded and also held it down until reinforcements arrived.
Significance = This town was important since it was located near the Western Front. Even though the Canadians won they only gained 7 kilometers of mud which the Germans soon won back.
No Man’s Land Significance?
No Man’s Land was the area between the trenches. If you tried crossing this area it would most likely mean certain death since you were exposed fully to enemy fire which included machine guns.
How were Tanks significant?
They were developed in order to solve the problems of trench warfare. Tanks could attack across the land in relative safety as they were immune to machine gun fire and could roll over barbed wire and trenches. However, tanks could get stuck in the mud, meaning almost certain death. The tanks were a major reason for the Allied victory.
How was Poison Gas significant?
Poison gas was used by the Germans. They pumped out poisonous chlorine gas toward the Canadian and French soldiers which caused blindness and choking. Ultimately, this led to the invention of gas masks.
How were Machine Guns significant?
Machine Guns were very efficient at killing enemy troops as they advanced over no man’s land and were a major contributor to the enormous death toll of the First World War.
How were Submarines significant?
Submarines were used in the First World War to try and destroy enemy ships. Germany used submarines to attack merchant ships supplying Britain with war materials and other products. The German goal was to starve Britain into surrendering.
How were Airplanes significant?
Unarmed airplanes were used to scout enemy positions behind lines. Airplanes weren’t as significant as they were in the Second World War.
Who were the main leaders in the Treaty of Versailles?
Woodrow Wilson (USA) + Georges Clemenceau (France) + David Lloyd George (Britain)
What did Woodrow Wilson want in the Treaty of Versailles?
He was an Idealist and did not want to punish Germany that much since he wanted to prevent another World War by creating the League of Nations.
What did Georges Clemenceau want in the Treaty of Versailles?
He was a Realist and wanted to severely punish Germany, crippling their army, resources, and everything. He wanted revenge for what they did to them.
What did David Lloyd George want in the Treaty of Versailles?
He was between an Idealist and Realist and wanted revenge by making them pay in reparations. However, he did not want to cripple Germany entirely as they were seen as a major trading asset.
Rules of The Treaty of Versailles (Major Points)!
What did Germany have to pay for Reparations?
Germany had to pay 132 billion gold marks which killed the German economy.
